Stressing that building vocabulary knowledge is a continuously developing skill, acquired over a lifetime and in a variety of ways, this concept paper suggests instructional strategies that lead to word knowledge. Following a research summary and a section on implications for instructions, the paper focuses on the various instructional strategies…

The monograph considers the role of teachers in child abuse prevention and reporting from the perspective of a New Zealand educator. A 1985 study of the author is summarized in which a training program resulted in commitment by 80% of teachers involved to identify and report child abuse and by 60% of teachers to further educate themselves in child…

The use of multicultural literature in the classroom can play a significant part in the learning and acceptance process of students. Multicultural books should be brought into the classroom to enhance textbook materials in all subject matters. To implement a multicultural program in the classroom, teachers must become knowledgeable about the…

This serial issue deals with how to integrate a whole language approach in secondary schools. Following a short outline of the differences between whole language principles and skills-based precepts, key tenets of whole language are briefly discussed. The next section of the issue deals with principal-teacher partnerships, and these are followed…

The popular notion that excellence in sports is inherited is seriously questioned by experts. The belief shared by many sports specialists as well as by some top athletes is that the characteristics that breed success in sports are developed. Sports experts offer the following advice to those who wish to improve their own performance: (1) relax;…

This brief paper summarizes information on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). First it identifies eight common characteristics of this disorder: (1) inattentiveness and distractibility, (2) impulsiveness, (3) hyperactivity, (4) attention-demanding behavior, (5) learning difficulties, (6) coordination difficulties, (7) unacceptable…

Based on the idea that teachers and researchers generally agree that students should learn how to study effectively and efficiently, this concept paper reviews the research in study skills; points out faulty assumptions about study skills as well as ineffective classroom practices; outlines some implications for instruction; and presents study…

This concept paper is intended to assist educators to understand why American culture has become so diverse, to review certain guiding principles and related research in effective educational practices for language instruction, and to present a number of instructional implications derived from the research. The recommendations for teachers which…

Intended for teachers, this focused journal issue contains separate rationales for teaching books that have been challenged as appropriate instructional materials. Following a discussion of the purpose for rationales and suggestions for using them, the journal presents rationales for teaching the following books: "To Kill a Mockingbird,""The Diary…

Noting that drawing and painting offer very young children powerful ways to explore and communicate thoughts and feelings, this booklet for caregivers and teachers offers suggestions related to painting and drawing for children under 3 years. The booklet discusses what young children can do with drawing and painting materials, including exploring…

College teachers can act as intermediaries between a class and a body of knowledge by making three important contributions: structure, evaluation, and support. The teacher's task is to keep the student's initial drive and enthusiasm intact while thwarting the desire to be content with easy answers. Teachers need to encourage a critical outlook and…

Articles in this special issue of the newsletter of the Adult Education Interest Section of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) address the following topics related to women and adult literacy: (1) dealing with failures in tutoring (E. Radick); (2) color as a key to teaching literacy (J. Langelier); (3) a preschool home…

Noting that children's questions are usually complex and thereby provide a natural learning context for inquiry-based early childhood education, this booklet focuses on using children's scientific questions as a foundation for planning and creating a stimulating learning environment. Following an introduction, the booklet provides suggestions for…

This document presents descriptions of 11 experimental, descriptive, and naturalistic research designs created by classroom teachers about questions that they had and that they investigated within the context of teaching dynamics unique to their classrooms. An action research approach was utilized, emphasizing immediate application of a method and…

This newsletter issue describes the importance of vocational assessment in the educational process of students with disabilities. Vocational assessment is defined, its purposes are explained, and the ways in which vocational assessment can benefit teenagers with special needs are discussed. Types of informal and formal assessments are explored, as…